Act 2 Summary

The recurring theme for the play is the passion for the art of singing. Maria tries to impress on the students that they must see into the music, transcending the obvious and draw on personal experiences to give the most appropriate performances. If talent is conversely related to pain, that explains Maria's life fully. During her wartime childhood, Maria was a plump, unattractive girl. She survived multiple emotional traumas and transformed them into world-class performances.

Maria's passions were not limited to the stage, as evidenced by the monologue in this act when she addresses Aristotle Onassis. Her life played out against the backdrop of his wealth and global status, and Onassis wounded the fragile Maria personally with betrayal and callous indifference.

This act seems to be a mirror of the first in its style and technique, showing Maria chastising and reprimanding cowering music...